Olympique Lyonnais signs stadium naming rights deal

French Ligue 1 soccer club Olympique Lyonnais (OL) has announced the signing of a stadium naming rights deal with Groupama Rhône-Alpes Auvergne.

Groupama has been a major partner of OL for several years, is associated with the men’s, women’s and youth teams, and is the naming rights partner for the Groupama OL Training Center and the Groupama OL Academy.

In this extension of the relationship, the group has secured naming rights for the Olympique Lyonnais stadium, which will henceforth be referred to as Groupama Stadium. The partnership also extends to the establishment of a common commercial structure.

The three-year, renewable contract will give visibility to Groupama Stadium outside of the venue, within in the arena, and on the itinerary of VIP clients and the general public, as well as in the sports zones, and will enable Groupama Rhône-Alpes Auvergne to use the image of the stadium to promote offers and services.

OL owner and chairman Jean-Michel Aulas said, “I am particularly pleased and proud of the signing of this global industrial agreement of naming and partnership with Groupama Rhône-Alpes Auvergne. We have always been convinced that what was possible abroad would also be possible in France. We were able to imagine together a device that transcends the simple visibility of a mark on an enclosure.”

“We are proud that the mutual company Groupama Rhône-Alpes Auvergne is once again joining its partner OL to give its name to this great stadium, whose early successes are very promising,” said Groupama director Jean-Louis Pivard.

“We hope for very good visibility and an influence on our region, to bring our image to the public, and especially to elected representatives and members.”

“This new step in our partnership with OL is reflected in an industrial project that is innovative in its construction, ambitious in its economic objectives, and values the pride of belonging to our employees and members,” added Groupama managing director Francis Thomine.

“Groupama Stadium will be a large stadium, but also a venue for events and a unique social and cultural gathering for our region. We extend our best wishes for success in its development.”